In this episode, we travel to Urk — a Dutch fishing town that once was an island and played a remarkable role in World War II.

When Allied airmen were shot down over the Netherlands, Urk’s brave fishermen rescued them from freezing waters, sheltered them in their homes, and guided them to safety. The vast reed fields of the Noordoostpolder, known as the “Dutch paradise for people in hiding,” became a crucial resistance stronghold.

At the heart of it all stood the Urker lighthouse, which not only served as a beacon for Allied pilots to navigate their routes, but also became a hub of quiet resistance — its keeper outsmarted Nazi patrols, tricked enemy boats, and even saved hundreds of church bells..

Note: References to "Germans" here mean Nazi Germany of the past, not modern Germany, whose people hold very different values and beliefs.

Visit our website: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast – Their Story

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Email: hollandshiddenheroes@gmail.com

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In World War II, deep in the forests of the Netherlands, a secret village was built that the Nazis never found. Hidden under moss, branches, and earth, huts became home to Jewish families, Allied soldiers, resistance fighters — and even one deserted German soldier.

How did they build this hidden place right under the noses of 200 SS troops? Who lived there, and what was daily life like when every sound could give them away?

This episode of Holland’s Hidden Heroes tells the story of a secret forest village — a place of hope, survival, and courage in the darkest days of WWII.

Note: References to "Germans" here mean Nazi Germany of the past, not modern Germany, whose people hold very different values and beliefs.

Visit our website: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast – Their Story

Facebook: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast

Instagram: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast (@hollandshiddenheroespodcast) • Instagram-foto's en -video's

Email: hollandshiddenheroes@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the winter of 1944–1945, people in the Netherlands were starving. Then, brave pilots from Britain, Canada, and America flew low over the country in big airplanes. In missions called Operation Manna and Operation Chowhound, they dropped thousands of food packages from the sky — like parachutes of hope! Soon after, trucks filled with food rolled in during Operation Faust, bringing even more help to hungry families.

Why did the Allies risk so much to deliver food? How did the packages reach children and parents waiting on the ground? And what was it like to finally taste bread and chocolate after months of hunger?

This episode of Holland’s Hidden Heroes tells the story of kindness, courage, and food that saved lives in the last months of World War II.

Note: References to "Germans" here mean Nazi Germany of the past, not modern Germany, whose people hold very different values and beliefs.

Visit our website: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast – Their Story

Facebook: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast

Instagram: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast (@hollandshiddenheroespodcast) • Instagram-foto's en -video's

Email: hollandshiddenheroes@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.